Name: Spicy Calabrian Chili & Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 chicken quarters; 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon turmeric; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ¼-⅓ cup Calabrian chili paste; ¼ cup honey

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 74 reviews

If you love dishes that pack a punch of flavor with a perfect touch of sweetness, you’re going to adore this Spicy Calabrian Chili & Honey Chicken Recipe. It’s a vibrant and deeply satisfying meal that balances the smoky heat of Calabrian chili paste with the lush sweetness of honey. Each bite sings with layers of spice, smoky paprika, and a gentle kick of cayenne, making it an irresistible centerpiece for dinner any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large piece of cooked chicken leg quarter, seasoned with a deep red sauce containing visible red chili flakes and spices spread unevenly across the skin. The chicken skin has a golden-brown color with darker charred spots, giving it a crispy texture. The piece lies on a shiny silver foil, which reflects some of the warm tones from the sauce. The background underneath the foil is a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem simple at first glance, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the bold, complex flavor of this dish. From spices that add depth to the honey that balances the heat, these ingredients come together to create a beautifully colorful and textured chicken.

4 chicken quarters: The perfect cut for juicy, tender meat with crispy skin that holds all the flavors.
1 ½ teaspoons salt divided: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and spices.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, grounding heat to complement the chili flavors.
1 tablespoon chili powder: Builds a smoky base heat to layer with the Calabrian chili paste.
1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a deep, smoky aroma and vibrant color.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a sharp, fiery bite that wakes up the palate.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mellow garlicky undertone that ties the spices together.
½ teaspoon turmeric: Adds warm earthiness and a subtle golden hue to the dish.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Raises the heat level with a clean, intense spice.
¼-⅓ cup Calabrian chili paste: The star ingredient, bringing rich, smoky heat and a touch of fruitiness.
¼ cup honey: Balances all the spicy notes with natural sweetness and glossy finish.

How to Make Spicy Calabrian Chili & Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken quarters dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly over the chicken to season the surface and help draw out moisture for browning.

Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine black pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. This aromatic blend will be key to coating the chicken with a balanced heat and smoky aroma.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Rub the spice mixture all over each chicken quarter, making sure to get under the skin where you can. This will infuse every bite with those complex flavors and give you a vibrantly colored crust once cooked.

Step 4: Add Calabrian Chili Paste and Honey

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Calabrian chili paste and honey until combined. This luscious glaze will bring a perfect sweet-heat contrast to the spicy chicken, creating the signature flavor of this Spicy Calabrian Chili & Honey Chicken Recipe.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken quarters skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Brush the chili and honey glaze generously over the pieces. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until the skin is crisp and the chicken is cooked through, basting once more halfway through cooking for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Spicy Calabrian Chili & Honey Chicken Recipe

A clear glass jar filled with bright red chili sauce that has a slightly chunky texture with visible small bits and yellow chili seeds. The jar is placed directly on a white marbled surface, surrounded by fresh whole red chili peppers with smooth skins and green stems, arranged loosely around it. The background is clean and bright, emphasizing the vibrant colors of the chili sauce and peppers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a vibrant, herby brightness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky heat of this chicken. A few lemon wedges on the side can also brighten the dish and add a zesty kick for those who like a little extra acidity.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the flavorful juices. Try creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, or even a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the dish. Rice or crusty bread also works great to mop up every last bit of that spicy honey glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of smoky polenta or alongside grilled flatbreads. You could even shred the leftovers to create spicy chicken tacos topped with fresh slaw and a drizzle of cool yogurt. The possibilities with this Spicy Calabrian Chili & Honey Chicken Recipe truly shine when you get creative.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of the flavor and moisture so you can enjoy it again easily.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Wrap chicken quarters tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen, the Spicy Calabrian Chili & Honey Chicken Recipe can be kept for up to 3 months without losing its bold flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps maintain crisp skin and moist meat better than microwaving, which can dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of quarters?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily, so keep a close eye on them and reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Is Calabrian chili paste very spicy?

Calabrian chili paste has a moderate heat level with smoky and slightly fruity undertones. It’s spicy but balanced, making it perfect for adding complex heat without overpowering the dish.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives, but honey provides a unique floral sweetness and sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the chili’s heat.

How do I make this recipe less spicy?

To reduce the spice, simply cut back on the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes and use less Calabrian chili paste. You can also add a little more honey to balance any remaining heat.

What side dishes complement this chicken best?

Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, rice, or even a crisp salad work wonderfully to round out the meal and balance the bold flavors of the chicken.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Spicy Calabrian Chili & Honey Chicken Recipe enough for those craving a dish that’s as exciting in flavor as it is easy to make. The harmony between smoky, spicy, and sweet notes hits every mark, making this a real crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite you keep coming back to!